Born: 1966 (Ogdensburg, New York)
Biography:
Brenda Louise Romero (née Garno; born October 12, 1966) is an American game designer and developer in the video game industry. She was born in Ogdensburg, New York, and is a graduate of Clarkson University. Romero is best known for her work on the Wizardry series of role-playing video games and, more recently, the non-digital series The Mechanic is the Message. With a career spanning over three decades, Romero has made significant contributions to the gaming industry.
Romero’s journey in game development began in 1981 when she joined the role-playing team at Sir-tech Software, Inc., working on the iconic Wizardry series. Starting as a tester, she quickly moved up through the ranks and eventually became a designer for Wizardry 8. During her time at Sir-tech, Romero also contributed to the development of the Jagged Alliance and Realms of Arkania series.
After 18 years with Sir-tech, Romero joined Atari, where she worked on the Dungeons & Dragons series for consoles. In 2003, she joined Cyberlore Studios and served as the lead designer for Playboy: The Mansion and Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes. Her research for Playboy: The Mansion was published in a book titled Sex in Video Games, showcasing her dedication to exploring the relationship between sexuality and gaming.
Romero’s talents and expertise in game design led her to various leadership roles in the industry. She served as the Chair of the Savannah College of Art and Design’s Interactive Design and Game Development department until 2009. Following this, she became the Creative Director for social media company Slide, Inc. and later for social gaming company Lolapps. In 2010, Romero co-founded the social game company Loot Drop with John Romero, her husband and fellow game designer. She has been committed to fostering the growth of the gaming industry through education and served as the Program Director of the MSc program in Game Design and Development at the University of Limerick until 2018.
In 2013, Romero made history by becoming the first game designer in residence at the Games and Playable Media Program of the University of California at Santa Cruz. This role allowed her to contribute to the development of future game designers while also serving as the program’s director. Romero’s passion for the industry extends beyond creating games; she has dedicated herself to shaping the next generation of game developers and nurturing their talents.
Throughout her illustrious career, Brenda Romero has received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions to the gaming industry. Some notable highlights include RPG of the Year for her work on Wizardry 8 and the Game Developer’s Choice Ambassador Award. In 2014, she was honored as a Fulbright Scholar, further showcasing her impact and influence in the field.
Brenda Romero’s innovative approach to game design and her commitment to pushing boundaries have not only earned her accolades but have also made a lasting impact on the gaming industry. Her contributions to the Wizardry series and her exploration of non-digital game mechanics have shaped the way games are designed and appreciated. As a prominent figure in the gaming industry and a trailblazer for women in the field, Romero’s legacy continues to inspire generations of game designers to think outside the box and create truly immersive and memorable gaming experiences.
Awards:
– RPG of the Year for Wizardry 8
– Fulbright Scholar award in 2014
– Game Developer’s Choice Ambassador Award